Latest KFF Health News Stories
Drugmakers’ Reversals Spark Debate Over FDA’s Accelerated Approvals
A trial of Tecentriq, a Roche drug that was granted accelerated approval in 2016 to treat bladder cancer, has shown that the drug failed to improve overall survival, Stat reports. Last month, AstraZeneca experienced a similar problem with Imfinzi.
Teachers Now Eligible For The Shot In Every State
Every state has now prioritized K-12 educators to receive the coronavirus vaccine. News outlets also report on hesitant groups.
Major Study Finds Obesity Significantly Increases Risk Of Dying From Covid
The higher the patient’s body mass index, the higher the risk, the study of nearly 150,000 adults found. In other covid news: Many long-haulers were asymptomatic during their initial infection, research shows.
As Covid Variant Worries Continue, WHO Warns World Is At ‘Risky’ Stage
Houston and Florida are experiencing a spread of the more infectious UK coronavirus variant, as the World Health Organization issues a warning that this is no time to relax in the battle against the virus.
Underdosing Report Confirmed At Mass Vaccination Site In California
California public health officials say that people who were vaccinated between Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Oakland Coliseum likely received a smaller-than-approved dose. A TV station first reported the story, but it was initially denied by state officials running the venue.
Moderna Vaccine Gets Production Boost; Side Effect Worries Spread
U.S. production rates of the Moderna covid vaccine will improve, thanks to a new manufacturing deal. In other news reports: Women seem to be experiencing worse vaccination side effects, and President Joe Biden will meet with vaccine makers.
Lab Tests Show Pfizer Vaccine Neutralizes Variant Identified In Brazil
The highly contagious P.1 variant raised fears about how it would respond to the covid vaccines.
CDC OKs Gatherings Of Vaccinated People, Without Masks But With Limits
New guidelines permit unmasked meetings for people post-vaccination, but the CDC warns it’s not time to go back to normal life — general covid precautions need to remain in place to protect the public.
Even With A Shot, CDC Not Yet Encouraging Travel
Travel by vaccinated people can still add to the coronavirus’ spread, CDC officials say in defending their position. Politico reports that an earlier draft of the guidance included a travel section but it was removed before release.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers share their thoughts on the vaccination rollout.
Perspectives: Masks Are Indispensable In The Pandemic Fight; Blood Plasma Might Be, Too
Opinion writers weigh in on covid restrictions, the fight against covid, abortion and racism.
New York Gov. Cuomo Loses Some Of His Covid-Fighting Powers
Elsewhere, all of Oregon’s K-12 public schools will open in April; Arkansas boosts covid patient rights; and California finds success in vaccinating prisoners.
U.S. Says Russia Peddled Lies About Western Covid Vaccines
The EU is warning some of its member states to be wary of Russia’s Sputnik covid vaccine, and U.S. officials warn Russia has been sharing disinformation about Western versions, as vaccination efforts step up across the globe.
White House Takes Aim At Chemical Toxins In Baby Food
The FDA under the Biden administration is beginning a push to lower levels of toxins like lead and cadmium in baby food, and will boost testing and inspections of manufacturers.
Fever Scanner Used In Some NFL Stadiums Pulled Off The Market
The company that makes the scanning system, Certify Global, received a warning from the FDA on Thursday saying it had not been authorized to sell the device for scanning multiple people at a time. The FDA said misuse could lead an infected person to be incorrectly assessed as healthy.
Employers Navigate Tricky Issues Around Inoculating Workers
Large businesses are joining the hunt for scarce supplies to vaccinate their workforce. And public views on employers mandating the shot have also shifted.
Early Success Of Pill That Fights Covid Sparks Excitement
A new antiviral drug called molnupiravir has shown great success in treating covid patients, researchers say. Other scientists continue to investigate the virus, its symptoms and side effects, including loss of smell.
Fauci Says Surge In Covid Vaccine Supplies Is Imminent
Dr. Anthony Fauci suggests that when more vaccine doses become available that high school children will be a priority. In other news, Pfizer’s CEO talks about covid vaccine pricing.
More Mass Sites Opening Shakes Up Vaccination Process
Such vaccination sites in Florida, Indiana and Georgia are in the news. And Axios looks at the failures of online registration websites.